A (Healthy) Alternative Lifestyle
Activity: “Materialism” game
MUSIC:
Intro: “Stand Out or Fit In?” – Hand out some sticky notes and a pen. Have them write down some things ways that people will try to “fit in” (social media, language, fashion, behavior, etc.) Put all the notes on a large poster board and discuss:
- Why do people want to fit in?
- What pressures do you feel to “be like everyone else”?
- Is it always bad to fit in? When might it be unhealthy?
Discuss the (conflicting?) desires for young people to be unique while at the same time “fitting in” to some group…or groups.
What are some alternative lifestyles that people pursue in our modern world? What makes them “alternative” and what is the appeal? Examples: off-grid preppers, monks or nuns, criminals, married without children, missionaries, rock stars…
Did you know that God doesn’t want you to fit in? God doesn’t call us to blend in — He calls us to stand out in ways that bring life, health, and hope to others!
John 15:18-19 Chosen Out of the World
- Explain the difference in translation from Hebrew for “hate” (priority)
- Being “not of this world” means our values, choices, and very identity come from God…not trends, culture, or popularity
- Jesus warns us that the world might (will?) reject us for our alternative lifestyle as “followers of the Way of Jesus”
- What is the difference between being “weird” and being set apart (holy)?
- Have you ever felt like an outsider because of your faith or Christian values?
Romans 12:12 Alternative Heart…Not Just Appearance
- Use the example of salt/sugar
- Salt preserves and enhances flavor. Christians should bring life and truth into the world
- Sugar sweetens…but doesn’t last long; temporary pleasure that doesn’t truly satisfy
- “Be joyful in hope” – Hope gives us the strength to keep going when life is hard!
- “Patient in affliction” – We stand strong even when faith living for Jesus is unpopular
- “Faithful in prayer” – We stay spiritually healthy when we stay connected to God
- Could you use more hope, patience, or prayer in your life?
1 John 2:15-17
- The worldly lifestyle is about craving physical pleasure, material things we see and desire, and pride in our achievements and possessions. The problem is that these all lead to a “more is better attitude”…which is ultimately never satisfied.
- How hard is it to say the words “I have enough…”?
- Money, food, popularity, sex, or expensive “toys” are not inherently bad…until you crave them more than you crave your relationship with God
- We all have a “God-sized hole” in our being that can never be satisfied by things or experiences…only our Creator God.
- All the things of a worldly lifestyle pass away—but the things of God are eternal and give us eternal life…in this world and the world to come
SUMMARY – Jesus calls us to leave the crowd behind, to turn our hearts from the things of this world and towards our Savior and the kingdom of heaven. This is an alternative lifestyle! But it is a spiritually healthy lifestyle that offers real peace, joy, and living hope—no matter what life throws at you.
CHALLENGE: When faced with a tough choice or big decision this week, make an intentional decision to be “different on purpose” and base you choice or decision on God’s will for you life…and we can share those stories next week.
PRAYER
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